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Mikel Arteta has voiced fears that his team's chase for titles this campaign is being threatened by a worrying circle of injuries and a grueling fixture list.

Fresh Team News

Star player Declan Rice missed the midweek trip to face Club Brugge due to illness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward registered to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle injury.

"Training, no because we lack time to train. But clearly the fact that you are missing players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a truly dangerous circle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a extensive series of injuries for the North London side. Since the beginning of last season, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-most total in the Premier League.

Long-Term Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from surgery and "requires more time," as stated by the boss.

Arteta dismissed the idea that practice methods were to culprit, citing a lack of opportunity for drills. He emphasized the pressure on available players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two years.

Transfer Plans

Even after a major off-season investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the team is not planning to enter the winter transfer market.

"At the moment we're just concentrating on bringing the players back and hopefully it will be a question of a short time," he commented. "It's clear how crucial those coming weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The squad experienced their first defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, cutting their lead at the summit of the Premier League to two points.

Focus now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth group win would all but guarantee a top-eight finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create history by scoring in a fifth consecutive European match.

"The team is frustrated with the outcome, but we have to move forward," Martinelli stated. "It's not like all is going badly because we lost one game. So we remain united."